Creating a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is becoming a top priority for more and more people and their families. With the stress and hustle of the holidays and the change in sleeping and eating patterns that may come with it, the thing people can use the most is a reconnect between body and mind. How can a day spa help with that? For starters, they can give you the tools to stay physically and mentally healthy and help you visualize ongoing personal and professional success. “It all begins with a smart spa shopper and some dedicated well trained spa staff.” says Liz Galloway, spa image advisor and spa college international trainer.

Liz Galloway recommends these Top 10 Must Know Tips to keep you focused, and healthy throughout your holiday season and beyond.

Patron spas that you know have high licensing requirements for their therapists and are transparent about their sanitizing policies and procedures. Sometimes they will post this right on the wall. Spas are safe, but they are also intrinsic to a personal environment where viruses and bacteria can be spread. Good procedures and sanitization is a sign of good training and knowledge.

Follow up on industry trends before you book your appointment, and know what questions to ask and the results you want from the treatment. Keep in mind your health and wellness is key here. Do you prefer an organic product, are you recovering from an injury, are you willing to try the latest laser or wrap? This can also make first time spa goer’s more comfortable.

Book a series of treatments or invest in a product series offer at your day spa. They are usually a better bargain and will keep you committed to long term objectives. This works well with dermabrasion, skin rejuvenation, lipossage, and even massage. Spas and therapists are more than happy to give long term discounts in return for guaranteed income.

Coordinate your spa therapies with a nutrition plan for more rapid, satisfying results that will get you into good long term habits. Contact a lifestyle coach that can help you create a project plan for your short and long term goals is all aspects of lifestyle. Incorporate anti oxidant bases, natural energy boosts, and an eating plan that’s right for your body type.

Your spa therapies will create an important mind body connection, but that is not the only thing you need to keep healthy. Your financial health is also important. Find the best spa price for your budget. There are spa options that range from $35 -$135 an hour an up. Remember though that the knowledge and training of the therapist and the facility will play a big role in your satisfaction. Sometimes you will be paying a premium for good therapies and well trained people. Your worth it.

Keep your self looking younger and stress free through the holidays by getting rid of dull, dry, un even skin tone and helping maintain elasticity even after the holidays are over. Key skincare products and regular facials can help fight off tired stressed out skin. Something that can make us look and feel older. Try products that have antioxidant properties and stimulate our inherent cell growth and skin repair. A big trend is natural skincare, but don’t worry, many have great results driven ingredients.

Consider following spa industry and skincare trends by purchasing certified organic and natural based skincare products and spa treatments that support fair trade in other countries, and best practices, that will also create benefit for your own skin. Know the ingredients and read the labels, so you avoid irritations or allergies. Many spas have adopted these practices and can help you understand what’s best for you.

Go after a spa trend that incorporates guided imagery in your spa treatments. This is a combination of hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques that can leave your mind feeling fresh and gratified. It gives you a focused path to follow, so you can stop all that mental chatter from your day.

Take action for preventative care now. Not tomorrow or the next day. Some of this may include product, therapies, or nutritional elements that require you to try several variations. There is an element of reasonable experimentation to find what’s best. If you have questions about your regimen or needs, ask your spa skincare advisor or spa concierge to educate you. There are many things you can do for a healthy mind and body that you will thank yourself for later.

Seek out a pathos driven spa experience, where you follow your emotional needs and your spa of choice appeals to that. This is ultimately a large part of your spa satisfaction just in line with a more ethos driven experience, comfort in knowing your therapist is knowledgeable in their field. To make that happen spas and therapists need to invest in personal and career development.

Consider these tips and tools when booking your spa treatments and making your new year’s goals for lasting health and some stress free happiness through the holidays and beyond. Keep your mind rested and clear for the new year. In need of precision training to ensure that you, your staff and your clients are more than satisfied? Consider bringing in an outside trainer or advisor. Happy spa – ing!

Now setting one on one appointment times for the Day Spa Expo 2008 at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas. Book now for free consultation or interview times. Join us for the key business management and operations class at the expo. Feb 5th 11:00, “Make Your Spa a Destination” We will be giving away a destination retreat package in Costa Rica for most competitive participant in the class. Sponsored by Serenitas Spa Sanctuary. Dont’ miss it. RSVP for the class to ensure we have you reserved as our special guest. Purchase one of our essential spa books now available in a paperback manual with workbook and forms. “What Makes You So Special? Spa Career Success” From fundamentals to management. $45.00 How to create, present, market and profit from your spa ideas and treatments. By Liz Galloway and Nicolay Kreidler.

Get Your Rest

Spa Diva Tip of the Day.

There is nothing better for your health, and complexion than good sleep. Spas have been offering sleep additions and programs for years.

All you need is 20 minutes of "siesta" to regenerate your body. Usually taking this in the afternoon, in a dark, quiet place, with an infusion of theta sounds in music, will do the trick. Full focus and an alarm at 30 minutes will allow you to "detach".

Include a relaxing tea, eye pillow, and enough warmth that none of your senses are distracted.